merci. mercy.

Cat. No. 730/I, variant 2

merci. mercy.

State/Variant:
State I of III, variant
Date:
1992
Themes
Words
Techniques
Drypoint
Support:
Smooth, wove paper
Dimensions:
plate: 17 3/4 x 27 3/8" (45.1 x 69.6 cm); sheet: 20 3/4 × 28 1/2" (52.7 × 72.4 cm)
Signature:
Not signed
Publisher
unpublished
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
2 known impressions of state I
Edition Information:
Proof before the editioning of state III.
Impression:
Not numbered
Background:
State III of this composition was published as a benefit for Documenta IX, 1992.

Bourgeois created this plate by hammering a nail through thin roofing copper.

The artist employed a similar technique in the print compositions “Tornado,” 1991-1992, and “We Love You,” 1992, seen in Related Works in the Catalogue below.
Curatorial Remarks:
According to printer Felix Harlan of Harlan & Weaver, the runny effect seen in this impression was accidental. The hammered plate was experimental and required tests using varying amounts of pressure on the plate as well as varying ink viscosity.
Former Cat. No.:
W & S 123
Description:
Drypoint, with black ink and puncture hole additions
State Changes and Additions:
Additions by puncture: holes through sheet added in many indentations, throughout several letters.
Artist’s Remarks:
"I want much more than thank you... I want forgiveness... I ask for mercy. Who is at fault? Who is the culprit? Is it you, or is it me? I would rather make it my trouble... then I could take care of it... I could become active instead of passive." (Quote cited in Wye, Deborah and Carol Smith. “The Prints of Louise Bourgeois.” New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 1994, p. 209.)
MoMA Credit Line:
Gift of the artist
MoMA Accession Number:
633.1993
This Work in Other Collections:
National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

merci. mercy.

1992

Source

1992

Merci Mercy
States
merci. mercy.
merci. mercy.
merci. mercy.
merci. mercy.

Related Works in the Catalogue

Tornado
Merci Crime
We Love You

Related Works in Other Mediums

Precious Liquids
Mercy
Merci Mercy
Precious Liquids (detail)